Oscar winner praises Simon Cowell’s Derry man

Andrew Quinn

A Derry man, who signed to Simon Cowell’s record label last year, has received huge praise from two time Oscar winning American singer-songwriter, Randy Newman.

Martin McCafferty, 33, joined swing and jazz group ‘Jack Pack’ last year. The band signed a record deal with Simon Cowell’s record label Syco and the ‘Journal’ understands they have finished recording their debut album and they have only recently returned from a foreign location after recording a video for their first single.

Seventy-one year-old Newman gave ‘Jack Pack’ permission to record a version of his song ‘Forever’ and after hearing the arrangement he was full of compliments.

“I really like what Jack Pack did with my song, ‘Forever’,” said Newman.

“It’s never been recorded before and it’s one of the best recordings I’ve heard of one of my songs. I hope it doesn’t end their career.”

Jack Pack’s debut album will be released on June 29 and the ‘Journal’ understands they will be making an appearance as guest artists on entertaining programme, ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, over the coming weeks.

Derry man and 'Jack Pack' member, Martin McCafferty.

A former pupil of St. Patrick’s P.S. Pennyburn, St. Brigid’s College and St. Columb’s College, Martin has been involved with music since his early teens.

“I want to thank everyone who has supported me with my music over the years and I don’t say that lightly.

“I have made some amazing friends along the way who have always supported me and they have never looked for anything in return.

“It’s scary to think I was ready to put it all to one side to pursue a teaching career,” Martin told the ‘Journal’ last year.

Martin is from Kingsfort Park and is the son of Eithne (nee Rainey) and Michael McCafferty.